Ask Ashley: Great Plains SPCA

Our dog, Jax, is a terrier mix, probably 27 pounds. He’s small, but can jump our five-foot fence and does so when he sees another dog. Currently, we take him out on leash into the backyard, but I am curious if you have any advice on how we can get him to stop jumping the fence. - Raja

There are rollers and piping you can put on top of your fence to cause him to fall back into the fenced yard if you’re interested in a quick, non-training method. As for training, you can teach Jax the “come” command and practice recall. Use this command whenever he goes near the fence. If he does not pay attention to you when using the command, put him on a long lead/leash and train him to come when called by using the lead to bring him back to you. Most dogs jump fences because they’re bored, so limiting his time outside or making sure his time outside is meaningful and fun may help. Staying in the yard with him to redirect him from jumping the fence until he is trained is a must for his safety. I also recommend training the “leave it” command and using it when he sees other dogs outside the fence. Once you’re able to redirect him from the dogs outside the fence and to come to you, you’re well on your way to getting him to stop jumping the fence. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

We have a 14-year-old Aussie that lost her friend last year. We're torn between getting her a new friend and letting her be the one who gets all the attention. She doesn't seem to mourn the loss of her friend so how do we know what to do? - Terry

I am so sorry for the loss of your pet for you and your Aussie. This is difficult for me to answer since I don’t know your dog, but I would assess how she responds to other pets. If she seems to light up and wants to play, consider getting another pet. If she seems uninterested in being around other pets, then I think you may have your answer. I recommend trying her with other pets and letting her tell you what she thinks. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

I am wondering how to re-establish the meaning of words. My mother has completely diminished the meaning of “No,” “Yes,” and “Good girl” with our two dogs—one is four years and the other is six months. I started training the puppy, but my mother and I used different methods and now the puppy is not potty trained and doesn’t listen. There are many areas of concern, but I think re-establishing the meaning of those words will help to create a good foundation. – Hailey

You can re-establish words with dogs because dogs are associative learners which means they learn in patterns. However, you must create a new pattern with each word and make those words mean something. If you don’t have consistency in the home, you may find it difficult to do. I recommend having a family meeting with everyone in the home to discuss the expectations for the pet and if everyone can abide by them, you are on your way to success. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

Featured Pet – Baby Girl

Hey there, my name is Baby Girl! I’m the life of the party at Great Plains SPCA, and I’m ready to share all the fun with a forever family. There will never be a dull moment with a pup like me. I love to play, zooming around the yard and chasing after toys. Are you ready to have some fun? Let’s party!

- Baby GirlIf you are interested in adopting Baby Girl, please contact our Adoptions Team atadoptions@greatplainsspca.org.

Email askashley@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered here in KC Parent magazine.

Great Plains SPCA is an independent 501(c)(3) no-kill shelter serving approximately 6,000 animals annually in the Johnson County community. As Kansas City’s premium family shelter, we continue to support the seven municipalities with which we are contracted including Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Shawnee, Lake Quivira, Johnson County Parks and Recreation, and unincorporated Johnson County.

Great Plains SPCA

5424 Antioch Drive Merriam, KS 66202

(913) 831-7722(SPCA)

https://www.greatplainsspca.org